So, not surprisingly, John cringed when he arrived home the other day and his wife, Lisa, informed him that Mickelson was struggling with a sore back and had withdrawn from the PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines.

John has developed a good relationship with Mickelson in recent years, so he naturally hates to see “Lefty” nursing an injury at any time. John especially hates to see it on the brink of the AT&T, which often struggles to attract marquee tour pros to the Monterey Peninsula in February.

Mickelson’s status for next week’s tournament remains uncertain. He visited a specialist in Georgia, withdrew from Wednesday’s pro-am at the Phoenix Open and says he will try to play in this week’s event in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he is the defending champion.

Mickelson has won the AT&T at Pebble four times, including his memorable takedown of Tiger Woods two years ago. More important in some ways, Mickelson almost always enters the tournament.

“I haven’t spoken to him or his people, but he has not withdrawn,” John said. “I think with the history we have with him, maybe that will make a difference. He’s not old like I am, where I’d be out for two weeks with a back problem. …

“It would be tough if we lose him, given his history here. It would really hurt. He’s such a big draw and such a big piece of our success. He’s a fixture here — he’s been very loyal to our tournament. I say a prayer.”